Palace denounces Maute plan to use hostages as suicide bombers

Malacañang on Monday condemned the reported plans of Maute terrorists to use their hostages as suicide bombers once cornered by government security forces.

Three hostages who escaped from the war zone in Marawi City earlier told authorities about the ISIS-inspired group's plan.

"We strongly denounce these desperate actions which, apparently, are carefully calculated to create violent reaction from the general populace in order to create tension between ethnic groups which the terrorist groups expect to work in favor of their cause," presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said.

Abella assured the public that government forces would continue to abide by the rules of engagement to ensure the safety of hostages amid operations to clear Marawi of all armed elements.

"No less than the commander-in-chief has given this primordial consideration and guidance to our troops," he said.

Last week, Romar Marjalino, 39, his brother Roel, 37, and Jimmy Esperat, 43, escaped from their captors and were turned over to Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar.

According to the three victims, the terrorists plan on strapping improvised explosive devices to hostages.

About 46 hostages remain captive under the Maute terrorists but the group has not so far not strapped an IED to any hostage.